These Easy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls pack a punch with sweet and spicy flavors! Juicy chicken and fresh veggies come together with a sticky honey glaze that’s simply irresistible.
You’ll love how quick and easy this meal is to whip up. Just toss everything in a bowl, and you’re set for a tasty dinner. I like to add some rice for extra goodness—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I recommend boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juiciness. If you prefer chicken breasts or another protein like tofu, those work too. Just adjust the cooking time for thinner cuts.
Hot Honey: The sweet heat of hot honey is what makes this dish special. If you can’t find it, mix regular honey with a few pinches of chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce. Experiment to find your preferred spice level!
Sweet Potatoes: These add natural sweetness and fiber. You can swap them with white potatoes, carrots, or even butternut squash if they are more accessible. Just keep an eye on the roasting time, as some cook faster than others.
Quinoa: It’s a great base for the bowl. If you don’t have quinoa, brown rice, couscous, or farro can also work well. Just cook according to package instructions for the best texture.
How Do I Get Perfectly Glazed Chicken?
Glazing chicken with hot honey is a quick step but yields fantastic flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Cook the chicken thoroughly in a hot skillet until browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes per side.
- When it’s nearly done, drizzle the hot honey over the chicken, allowing it to coat.
- Let it cook for an additional 2 minutes. This caramelizes the honey slightly and creates a delicious glaze!
Easy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup hot honey (honey mixed with chili flakes or hot sauce)
For the Bowl:
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cut into sticks or cubes
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup fresh arugula or mixed greens
- 1/2 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: a drizzle of cilantro lime dressing or ranch for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll spend about 40 minutes making these delicious hot honey chicken bowls, which will serve 2-3 people!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a bowl, toss the sweet potato sticks with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast for around 20-25 minutes. Make sure to turn them halfway through so they become tender and caramelized!
2. Prepare the Chicken:
While your sweet potatoes are roasting, it’s time to prepare the chicken. Season the chicken thighs with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure to coat them evenly for maximum flavor!
3. Cook the Chicken:
In a skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken thighs and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until they’re nicely browned and cooked through. This will give you that delicious golden color!
4. Glaze with Hot Honey:
In the last 2 minutes of cooking, drizzle the hot honey over the chicken in the skillet. Let it cook for a bit longer, allowing the honey to glaze and caramelize slightly. This creates a lovely sticky coating!
5. Assemble the Bowls:
Time to put it all together! Start by placing a serving of cooked quinoa at the bottom of each bowl. Next, add the roasted sweet potatoes, fresh arugula, shredded purple cabbage, and top it all off with the glazed chicken.
6. Garnish Your Bowl:
Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and freshly chopped parsley or cilantro over each bowl for that extra flavor kick!
7. Drizzle & Serve:
If you like, add a drizzle of cilantro lime dressing or ranch for some creaminess. Serve immediately and enjoy the wonderful flavors of your hot honey chicken bowls!
Your delicious meal is ready, and you’ll love the sweet and spicy combination!
FAQ for Easy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can! Chicken breasts are a leaner option. Just be sure to cook them adequately, which may take a few more minutes due to their thickness. To keep them juicy, consider marinating them in olive oil and honey beforehand.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. This helps maintain the texture of the chicken and veggies.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Absolutely! If you like more heat, increase the amount of chili flakes in the hot honey or add some chopped jalapeños when cooking the chicken. You can also garnish with hot sauce before serving for an extra kick.
What’s a Good Substitute for Quinoa?
If you’re looking for a substitute, brown rice, farro, or couscous all work great! Just ensure you cook them according to their package instructions for the best results.
